48 Hours in Engadin: mountains, sun and SPA

When you think of summer, Switzerland is probably not the first place to pop into your mind. We Italians, like many others, tend to think of the seaside as the ideal summer destination, but considering how horribly hot it’s been lately, we warmly (ah! Get it?) recommend considering an alternative background for your summer shenanigans. We recently spent 48 hours in Engadin and want to tell you all about it. Who knows, we might persuade you to plan your next weekend getaway in Switzerland. 😉

Our meeting point was Tirano, destination: St. Moritz, to be reached on the Bernina Express! Nothing better than this charming and classy little (and highly technological) train to comfortably take you to your destination while you enjoy the breathtaking view. On the two hours ride, you’ll see glaciers, mountain lakes, green valleys… and a handful of villages. The Bernina train goes through one or two urban centres, which only adds to its charm. This trip is all about relax and excellent food, and if you’re a party animal looking to paint the town red, you’ll have to come back in the winter: don’t say we didn’t warn you! As soon as you set foot in St. Moritz, head to Mulo’s for a light lunch. In this restaurant, the local cuisine meets international flavors, and there’s something for everyone. After lunch, it’s time to check into your hotel room: we recommend you go big and stay at Kulm Hotel. Everybody in the area knows Kulm Hotel, which has hosted international stars, athletes, local celebrities and more – no wonder why! The view is incomparable, as is the next activity on our agenda: spa time. Treat yourself to a massage – you won’t regret it – and then relax in the outdoor pool, whatever the weather: even if it’s cool outside, the warm jacuzzi will keep you warm. Glorious! Now, quick: you only have time for a shower before dinner time at Kulm Country Club, which you have to try. Period. All jokes aside, the sublime menu that wouldn’t be out of place in any international restaurant is the work of an Italian chef. The local wines and the plates that go with them will seduce you – you’ll be able to taste Engadin in every sip. After dinner, it’s time for a restful night before the excitement of the second day. Gute Nacht!

Waking up at Kulm Hotel cannot be described, but there are simply no words for the double breakfast that you just have to taste to believe it’s true: first a cup of coffee and a snack at the hotel, followed by a stop at a local bakery. You must try the Engadiner Torte, which is made with walnuts and, we assume, fairy dust (or some other ingredients which is certainly not of this world): it’ll instantly get you out of the gloomiest of moods. How to burn the calories? If we really must, I mean! Set off for a nice walk in the Pontresina area, where you can experience the unique Camerata Pontresina. In the middle of this small forest, in the quiet and silence, three musicians play classical music every day, while trekkers and day trippers on their bikes stop by to listen, captured by the music. Feeling hungry now? Time to head to Grand Hotel Kronenhof! Le Pavillon is the perfect location to enjoy the view of the mountains and the local cuisine at the same time. Traditional dishes are prepared with ancient recipes and best celebrated with a “viva!” (the local cheers), toasting to the beautiful Swiss weather. Kronenhof is not just about delicious food, needless to say, so head over to the spa to pick up where you left yesterday, relaxing in the sun, looking up at the mountains, and who knows, you might be lucky enough to spot a steinbock! If the day is nice and cool, several trails can lead you up the mountains, up and close with these kings of local fauna.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and the time has come to make our way back. See you here again next weekend?